Audix F5 - Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone (Fusion Series)
The Audix F5 is the ultimate choice for musicians, sound engineers, and producers seeking a professional recording solution without breaking the bank. Part of Audix's acclaimed Fusion Series , this dynamic microphone has been designed, assembled, and tested in the USA under rigorous quality standards. Its rugged construction and acoustic engineering make it a true workhorse for demanding stages, home studios, and professional recording environments.
What sets the F5 apart from other microphones in its class is its hypercardioid polar pattern. Unlike standard cardioid patterns, the F5's hypercardioid design offers superior isolation control, effectively rejecting ambient noise and bleed from other instruments on stage (such as drum cymbals or nearby amplifiers). This results in a clean, defined signal, greatly simplifying the mixing process.
Inside, the F5 houses a low-mass diaphragm (LM™ technology) that delivers a natural and accurate transient response. This means it can capture the fast attack of a snare drum or the resonance of a tom with astonishing fidelity. Capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 137 dB without distortion, this microphone is ready to tackle the loudest sources, from full-throttle guitar amps to powerful horn sections.
Its body is made from a precision-cast zinc alloy, coated with a durable black E-coat finish, and protected by a dent-resistant steel mesh grille. This road-proof construction ensures the F5 will withstand the rigors of touring and heavy daily use.
Main features
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Precise Hypercardioid Pattern: Minimizes feedback and isolates the instrument from background noise, ideal for noisy environments.
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LM™ Diaphragm Technology: Delivers natural and accurate sound reproduction, capturing subtle details and the attack of percussive instruments.
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High SPL Handling: Supports sound pressures above 137 dB, allowing you to mik very powerful sources without risk of saturation or distortion.
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Robust Construction: Cast zinc alloy body and steel grid, designed to last for years under demanding conditions.
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Low Impedance Design: Ensures interference-free performance, even with long cable runs.
Benefits for the user
The Audix F5 offers stunning clarity that often eliminates the need for excessive corrective EQ; the sound you get is the sound you need. For live engineers, its high off-axis rejection (over 20 dB) is a vital tool for keeping the mix clean and preventing monitor feedback. Furthermore, its versatility means a single investment can cover multiple needs: today you can use it on a snare drum, and tomorrow on a guitar amp or saxophone, always achieving professional results.
Recommended use cases
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Drums and Percussion: Excellent for snare drum, toms, timbales, and congas. Its fast attack perfectly defines the hit.
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Guitar and Bass Amplifiers: Capture the power and body of electric cabinets without muddying the sound.
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Wind Instruments: Ideal for saxophone, trumpet, trombone and other brass sections thanks to its tolerance to high volumes.
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Acoustic Instruments: Works very well on acoustic guitars and other stringed instruments where isolation is required.
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Voice and Speech: Although it is an instrument microphone, its closed pattern makes it useful for vocals in environments with a lot of ambient noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does the Audix F5 need phantom power?
No, being a dynamic moving coil microphone, the F5 does not require Phantom power (48V) to operate.
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What's in the box?
The product includes the F5 microphone, a durable nylon microphone clip model MC1, and a P1 carrying bag.
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What is the difference with the Audix i5 model?
The F5 is the most affordable version in the Fusion series, while the i5 belongs to a higher range. However, the F5 shares many sonic characteristics and the same quality standards, making it an excellent cost-effective alternative.
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Can I use it to record vocals in a studio?
Yes, although it is designed for instruments, its frequency response and polar pattern can offer interesting results in rock or metal vocals that require presence and isolation.
Project description
Fusion Series dynamic instrument microphone with a hypercardioid polar pattern for acoustic isolation and feedback control. It features a frequency response of 55 Hz to 15 kHz, 580 Ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 2.2 mV/Pa @ 1 kHz. Incorporating LM™ (Low Mass) Type A diaphragm technology, it can handle SPL levels of ≥137 dB with an off-axis attenuation greater than 20 dB. Constructed with a die-cast zinc alloy body with a black finish and steel grille, it includes a gold-plated XLR connector. Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA.
